A Adventure - Every day terrifies me at the moment lol. I will have to think about this.
G Get creative in the kitchen. I am already building up a reserve.
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd of July. Beans on toast it is
N NSDs Aiming for 17 Have hospital on the 15th so will need to budget for that.
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems. Alas I love the sun but, a mix of pale skin and heart condition means I can't risk it.
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings.- Do this already now.
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. Will struggle to do this, to be honest.
J July food days- lol. Never known so many days.
O (H2)O Water fun.- Will give this one a miss
G Geeks Unite. Every day is a geek day at my house
T Think of those who are ill.- Will do
H Help those in need.- I am on several forums for mental health and run a blog about living with one.
R Relax. Want to read more and have less screen time.
O Our Bodies Our Selves.- My body is a massive sticky area recently. Several surgeries over the years have left me feeling like I have a motorway for the torso with long livid pink lines. I try to remind myself that I am lucky to be heard but often it's not much consolation.
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home.- A couple of large cupboards to declutter.
G Get out and about.- Will have to pass on this one due to the heat.
H Half Year Review. Just my birthday- Not a big deal in my house and the C word.
Refreshments- Spoke to my friend about going out to the park instead of a cafe and will take a bottle of juice to the hospital
Look- I need to do this more often. I have been using a halogen oven as my main source of cooking for the best part of the year. Its brilliant for small meals but, not if you want to cook loads of stuff. Planning on getting a cooker.
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). I will and I am setting a reminder to do so,
A Adventure - do something that scares you, just a bit. – Will look into this.
G Get creative in the kitchen. - This I will look into.
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd July. Substituting bean or plant based meals for meat is good for you and for the planet. Even if you only open a tin of baked beans, it's good for your wallet (one of Martin's money saving mantras is to have 'something on toast' once a week). – Will try.
N NSDs - High target 4 per week (17/18 for the month).
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems.
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings. - DD’s already set up for savings. Budgets for each category has been set.
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. – Will be trying to go out for a walk each day.
J July food days abound Fried Chicken (6th - try "Kissing' instead), French Fries (13th), Hot Dogs and Peach Ice Cream (17th - No not together), Caviar (18th) Daiquiris (19th). My favourites are Fresh Spinach Day (16th) Blueberry (8th) and Vanilla Ice Cream (23rd). Other Ice cream days are available. Use these as a jumping off point to add some summer fun to your meal plan.
O (H2)O. – Will be concentrating on drinking more water each day.
G Geeks Unite.
T Think of those who are ill. – Members of my family who have mh issues.
H Help those in need. International Day of Friendship is on July 30th. 'Cheer up the lonely Day' is on the 11th. Be a good friend/ work colleague/ neighbour and lend an ear to those whom you know are suffering.
R Relax. – Will be doing this along with self care.
O Our Bodies Our Selves. – Will be doing this.
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home. Keep up the clutter clearing. – Will see what else can be decluttered. Also will be careful as to what I bring into the flat. Already have a few items in a bag for cs as I did not do this for June.
G Get out and about. Explore your neighbourhood. Do you have a local town trail and have you been on it? Do any local churches or civic buildings have open days. What exhibitions and activities are on? – Will see what is available local and in London.
H Half Year Review. Have you any family birthdays or significant events to celebrate in the next 3 months? Do you expect income to go up/ stay the same/ don't know (those on temporary contracts or in vulnerable jobs)? Which renewal dates are coming up and do you need to start price checking now? Look again at where you want to be in one year/ 5 years - are you on track or do you need to make changes. – Already have birthday cards in, have to get a wedding anniversary card. Have to renew my passport this month and pay for the DBS update service which is up for renewal this month. Work in the flat that needed to be done is all complete. Putting my flat up for sale is put on hold until I have my hospital appointments. Still hoping to be able to sell flat and move this year.
J Just a couple more ideas for the holidays "Build a Scarecrow Day " is on the 7th and "Tedddy Bear's Picnic day is on the 9th.
U yUo should take your lunch to work each day and take appropriate refreshments to hospital visits and on days out (unless these have been included as part of the 'experience' eg ice creams/ fish and chips). Avoid takeaways and processed food but feel free to experiment with 'fakeaways'. – Will be doing this if I have work or go out for the day.
L Look at each purchase to determine if it is a genuine need or just a want. – Will do my best.
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). – Will try.
Frugal Living Challenge 2023Mortgage free as of 1st August 2013
Thanks for the challenge mothernerd - all sounds very inspirational:
A Adventure- I'm not very brave! I could try to be more sociable... Or see what else I can think of
G Get creative in the kitchen. Yes definitely!
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd July. Love beans on toast and eat a lot of veggie meals as DD2 is veggie and I used to be.
N NSDs Low target 3 per week (12/13 for the month)
High target 4 per week (17/18 for the month) Realistically aim for the low target
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems. Always do! Use factor 30 minimum and avoid being out in it during the hottest part of the day
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings. Will do
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. Will aim to get outside everyday while also avoiding the hot sun!
J July food days abound Fried Chicken (6th - try "Kissing' instead), French Fries (13th), Hot Dogs and Peach Ice Cream (17th - No not together), Caviar (18th) Daiquiris (19th). My favourites are Fresh Spinach Day (16th) Blueberry (8th) and Vanilla Ice Cream (23rd). Will incorporate these foody days into meal plan if i can...
O (H2)O Water fun. Walking by the canal will be my version of this and ensuring I drink plenty of water in my re-usable bottle
G Geeks Unite. July 13th is Embrace Your Geekness Day. Could definitely manage to watch an episode of Dr Who.
T Think of those who are ill. Lots of mental health issues in our family, especially my sister - will call her and arrange something nice for when I visit in August
H Help those in need. International Day of Friendship is on July 30th. 'Cheer up the lonely Day' is on the 11th. Be a good friend/ work colleague/ neighbour and lend an ear to those whom you know are suffering. Will do
R Relax. Take time out. Will focus on reading more. Quite happy being in solitude
O Our Bodies Our Selves. I will be looking after my body much better including stretching and getting more sleep
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home. Keep up the clutter clearing. Yes I will!
G Get out and about. Explore your neighbourhood. Yes the local church opens its tower every weekend, there is local museum I have never visited....
H Half Year Review. No birthdays other than friends who I just send cards to. Need to look at house insurance renewal. Staying a week in sister's house so a very cheap holiday - need to look at MSE days out near where she lives.
J Just a couple more ideas for the holidays "Build a Scarecrow Day " is on the 7th and "Tedddy Bear's Picnic day is on the 9th. No small people to enjoy those with!
U yUo should take your lunch to work each day and take appropriate refreshments to hospital visits and on days out - always take lunch to work; need to work on taking food and drink to days out & hospital.
L Look at each purchase to determine if it is a genuine need or just a want. Noted. I don't need anymore shoes!
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). Will do my best
Nite everyone
Deni xx
LBM - October 2018; finally debt free on 16 March 2021 2023 Mortgage Free Wannabee #92023 Decluttering Campaign member
Had a good day yesterday and didn't spend any money. Took the dog for a long walk in the morning and then spent the rest of the day cutting things back in the garden.
No plans to spend today either. I need to make black bean soup for tea, pizza dough for the freezer, energy balls, clean the house, walk the dog, school run and go for a run.
Just realised I did spend money yesterday, I bought a set of those clear toiletry bags for air travel, I bought them on ebay, I have been looking in the CS for ages but not found one (bet I do now though) and they were a need and most definitely not a want.
Debt Free and now a saver, conscious consumer, low waste lifestyler
A Adventure I'll try running a half marathon this month. It's boring, painful and nuts. Why would anyone want to do that (or even longer). But I thought I won't know if I don't try at least once. Two training runs ago my right knee started hurting, so my body doesn't like it either . But I'll try and push myself once. Then back to more fun short triathlons
G Get creative in the kitchen. Started doing that with a colleague last month and will continue, We'll try new recipes and compare notes.
T Take care in the sun Just got burnt badly this weekend . Cloudy but bright is the worst weather for burns.
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings. Leaving the debt this month and put money into the emergency fund. As if that's empty I would need to resort to CC again if sth breaks. Once I have that backup I'll tackle the debt again
E Exercise - definitively
O (H2)O Water fun. Kids love sitting in just a bucket of water in the garden
O Our Bodies Our Selves. I will give up alcohol for July as my body doesn't not love it.
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home. Keep up the clutter clearing. SOOO need to too that
H Half Year Review. Just got my new year planner and will sit down and do that this month
Long month ahead, will be tricky but we can do that.
DEBT 03/23: CC 46374318 4100 Family 1380 0 , Extra money earnt £54, NSDs 1/20, sober 2/31
Get Creative/Teddy Bears Picnic- Fabulous idea- I have left over party lunch boxes from my sons 2nd birthday with Teddys on them, I have invited 2 of their friends for a Teddy Bears Picnic in the woods on Saturday & I have printed off some pictures of teddys for my children to colour in tonight which I will turn into invites.
NSD's- I will aim for as many as possible- today is NSD number 1!
Live on what's left- not a lot if we are to hit our savings goal and buy a house at the end of the year. However I have saved Clubcard vouchers for a free day out at the end of the month & we have booked out a pass for Flamingo land for the 20th, which we get for free via the army. I have had a quick look at any films on the pocket money offer at the local cinema ( one pound per ticket on Sat & Sunday morning but the films are usually a few months old) & I have written down any I think my boys might like.
H20 - the Paddling Pool made an appearance on Saturday & I am sure it will do again!
Relax- I need to work on this one!
Our bodies- Back on WW after a week of events (Funeral, grandparents 80ths etc)
De-clutter- Need to do this ready for the move, had a big sell of all my kids toys last month & they currently have about £43 that they earned & I have more space. I also gave away my travel cot & few other bits.
Get out - off for a walk on my lunch now.
Half Year Review- Still on track, but only just. We have £17,600 in savings for our house deposit, we have 22 plus fees, a little sick of saving and living off £200 a month for everything , but very lucky this is a choice, I could save less if I wanted.
Take Lunch- I always so, I cannot afford to eat lunch out.
Need or Want- I need this to keep me in check.
Check in- Here.
Everyone should have a number, let me know if i've missed anyone. Sorry to be late. I had no internet access this morning. No-one else was awake so I don't know if it was just me - DS3 works next to the modem and Beloved has supplementary cable/ various techie hacks, so if anyone misses out it's me.
Was hoping the week would be mostly spend free but have spent quite a lot today. I have been worrying about clothes for next week - and this as saving my best stuff for next week means wearing some stuff that's really only fit for the rag bag. I have looked at 3 sales online - well have been looking on and off for the past 6 weeks. put things in baskets but not bought anything.
So I decided to do a trawl of the cs most likely to have things that fit me, check in a couple of local shops to see if the 'best fit' items were in stock and if all else fails I still have time for an online order which will come in time. If next week is like last weatherwise, I need something to wear but I am reluctant to spend a lot on things I won't wear very often and am not planning on being this size for much longer.
At the YMCA I passed over a bag of carrier bags, found a long black dress in cotton with small pink and white flowers all over. I also spent 2 pounds each on 2 proper cotton sheets and bought a deep wooden tray for 4 pounds - the sheets were on my Christmas list but these will fill the gap. I had a wooden tray which got broken. Since I have my CPAP machine on the top of my raskog bedside table, I have moved my water cup (know I'm only too capable of knocking the cup over in the middle of the night) but it's either on the floor (risk of rolling out of bed when I'm leaning over) or I have it propped/ wedged on the bed ( only a few minor spills so far but my mattress is old enough to need cossetting). This tray will lay flat on the other half of the bed and if the cup spills it will be contained. Useful for lots of other things as well (sorting small objects so they don't run away, chopping veg whilst keeping my legs propped up).
I then went to the Red Cross shop. Found two full length, sleeveless, cotton jersey dresses, one navy (6.50), one red (7.50), M n S BNWT beach wear. Heavy beading round the neckline so I can wear them with the beads showing in the evening and with a t-shirt over the top for daytime. There was also a dark brown white patterned m0ns00n dress for 6.50. There was a notice saying 3 dresses for 10 pounds but I didn't think it would apply. Woman behind the counter said I had chosen the right day to call but I insisted on giving them 10 as a donation so paid 20 in total for 3 dresses and 3.65 for a navy top with bright flowers on.
What would other people have done - I didn't want to take advantage of a charity? The red and blue dresses are much nearer to what I have been looking for (similar red and blue dresses in one sale for 20 each and much busier pattern so less versatile). Also will help with having a minimal packing list (2 thin pairs of leggings, 2/3 dresses, full length skirt, t-shirts and 1 shirt, 1 light and one warm cardi or jumper just in case).
So a total of 32.15 spent (including 10 donation) and it will have to come out of my food budget. Fish, veg and baked potatoes for the rest of the week, may need to buy stuff at weekend for things to take on the coach journey.
I did a small shop for mum, bought ys smoked mackerel for one of my meals here, added sausage cooked yesterday, last 3 satsumas and milk from my fridge (in exchange for items added to mum's shopping) to the bag and caught a taxi.
I also have an exciting new project (I think it's exciting). I returned two books to the library. I had noticed a new extra large wheelie bin but didn't know what it was for, so went for a look. Someone is doing a display at Southport Flower Show and they want eco bricks to build it. Eco-bricks are 2l plastic drinks bottle stuffed with other plastic rubbish - some people have used them to build rafts/ small boats. So as I already have 2 old fashioned bins worth of 2l plastic bottles set aside (to make bottle garden/ greenhouse depending on how soon I manage to give up plastic bottles altogether) I am going to start turning some of them into eco bricks which should ease the pressure on my black bin (DS3 and Beloved get through a lot of crisps and chocolate).
Going to go and alter my signature and firm up some of my plans.
Today I am grateful that it hasn't rained yet, for the cooling breezes and for my cs finds.
My mission in life is not only to survive,but to thrive and to do so with some Passion, some Compassion, some Humour and some Style.
mothernerd, your cs finds sound great! I have a couple of really good cs shops in easy walking distance, must think about that properly. And Southport Flower Show, oh yes! Hope you can get to go there yourself.
Downsized and paid off mortgage 2010 Retired August 2016 Paid off French mortgage September 2018 New kitchen fully installed June 2019 Not counting this! 2020 Garden fencing completed, woohoo 2021.......... October 2021: aiming for £5,000 new money for premium bonds or a car.
Replies
G Get creative in the kitchen. I am already building up a reserve.
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd of July. Beans on toast it is
N NSDs Aiming for 17 Have hospital on the 15th so will need to budget for that.
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems.
Alas I love the sun but, a mix of pale skin and heart condition means I can't risk it.
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings.- Do this already now.
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. Will struggle to do this, to be honest.
J July food days- lol. Never known so many days.
O (H2)O Water fun.- Will give this one a miss
G Geeks Unite. Every day is a geek day at my house
T Think of those who are ill.- Will do
H Help those in need.- I am on several forums for mental health and run a blog about living with one.
R Relax. Want to read more and have less screen time.
O Our Bodies Our Selves.- My body is a massive sticky area recently. Several surgeries over the years have left me feeling like I have a motorway for the torso with long livid pink lines. I try to remind myself that I am lucky to be heard but often it's not much consolation.
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home.- A couple of large cupboards to declutter.
G Get out and about.- Will have to pass on this one due to the heat.
H Half Year Review. Just my birthday- Not a big deal in my house and the C word.
Refreshments- Spoke to my friend about going out to the park instead of a cafe and will take a bottle of juice to the hospital
Look- I need to do this more often. I have been using a halogen oven as my main source of cooking for the best part of the year. Its brilliant for small meals but, not if you want to cook loads of stuff. Planning on getting a cooker.
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). I will and I am setting a reminder to do so,
G Get creative in the kitchen. - This I will look into.
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd July. Substituting bean or plant based meals for meat is good for you and for the planet. Even if you only open a tin of baked beans, it's good for your wallet (one of Martin's money saving mantras is to have 'something on toast' once a week). – Will try.
N NSDs - High target 4 per week (17/18 for the month).
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems.
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings. - DD’s already set up for savings. Budgets for each category has been set.
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. – Will be trying to go out for a walk each day.
J July food days abound Fried Chicken (6th - try "Kissing' instead), French Fries (13th), Hot Dogs and Peach Ice Cream (17th - No not together), Caviar (18th) Daiquiris (19th). My favourites are Fresh Spinach Day (16th) Blueberry (8th) and Vanilla Ice Cream (23rd). Other Ice cream days are available. Use these as a jumping off point to add some summer fun to your meal plan.
O (H2)O. – Will be concentrating on drinking more water each day.
G Geeks Unite.
T Think of those who are ill. – Members of my family who have mh issues.
H Help those in need. International Day of Friendship is on July 30th. 'Cheer up the lonely Day' is on the 11th. Be a good friend/ work colleague/ neighbour and lend an ear to those whom you know are suffering.
R Relax. – Will be doing this along with self care.
O Our Bodies Our Selves. – Will be doing this.
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home. Keep up the clutter clearing. – Will see what else can be decluttered. Also will be careful as to what I bring into the flat. Already have a few items in a bag for cs as I did not do this for June.
G Get out and about. Explore your neighbourhood. Do you have a local town trail and have you been on it? Do any local churches or civic buildings have open days. What exhibitions and activities are on? – Will see what is available local and in London.
H Half Year Review. Have you any family birthdays or significant events to celebrate in the next 3 months? Do you expect income to go up/ stay the same/ don't know (those on temporary contracts or in vulnerable jobs)? Which renewal dates are coming up and do you need to start price checking now? Look again at where you want to be in one year/ 5 years - are you on track or do you need to make changes. – Already have birthday cards in, have to get a wedding anniversary card. Have to renew my passport this month and pay for the DBS update service which is up for renewal this month. Work in the flat that needed to be done is all complete. Putting my flat up for sale is put on hold until I have my hospital appointments. Still hoping to be able to sell flat and move this year.
J Just a couple more ideas for the holidays "Build a Scarecrow Day " is on the 7th and "Tedddy Bear's Picnic day is on the 9th.
U yUo should take your lunch to work each day and take appropriate refreshments to hospital visits and on days out (unless these have been included as part of the 'experience' eg ice creams/ fish and chips). Avoid takeaways and processed food but feel free to experiment with 'fakeaways'. – Will be doing this if I have work or go out for the day.
L Look at each purchase to determine if it is a genuine need or just a want. – Will do my best.
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). – Will try.
Thanks for the challenge mothernerd - all sounds very inspirational:
A Adventure- I'm not very brave! I could try to be more sociable... Or see what else I can think of
G Get creative in the kitchen. Yes definitely!
E Eat Beans Day is on the 3rd July. Love beans on toast and eat a lot of veggie meals as DD2 is veggie and I used to be.
N NSDs Low target 3 per week (12/13 for the month)
High target 4 per week (17/18 for the month) Realistically aim for the low target
T Take care in the sun especially if you know you have problems. Always do! Use factor 30 minimum and avoid being out in it during the hottest part of the day
L Live on what is left after paying towards your debt or savings. Will do
E Exercise - take advantage of the long days to pack more in. Gardening and outdoor diy jobs count. Will aim to get outside everyday while also avoiding the hot sun!
J July food days abound Fried Chicken (6th - try "Kissing' instead), French Fries (13th), Hot Dogs and Peach Ice Cream (17th - No not together), Caviar (18th) Daiquiris (19th). My favourites are Fresh Spinach Day (16th) Blueberry (8th) and Vanilla Ice Cream (23rd). Will incorporate these foody days into meal plan if i can...
O (H2)O Water fun. Walking by the canal will be my version of this and ensuring I drink plenty of water in my re-usable bottle
G Geeks Unite. July 13th is Embrace Your Geekness Day. Could definitely manage to watch an episode of Dr Who.
T Think of those who are ill. Lots of mental health issues in our family, especially my sister - will call her and arrange something nice for when I visit in August
H Help those in need. International Day of Friendship is on July 30th. 'Cheer up the lonely Day' is on the 11th. Be a good friend/ work colleague/ neighbour and lend an ear to those whom you know are suffering. Will do
R Relax. Take time out. Will focus on reading more. Quite happy being in solitude
O Our Bodies Our Selves. I will be looking after my body much better including stretching and getting more sleep
U Useless and ugly objects need to leave your home. Keep up the clutter clearing. Yes I will!
G Get out and about. Explore your neighbourhood. Yes the local church opens its tower every weekend, there is local museum I have never visited....
H Half Year Review. No birthdays other than friends who I just send cards to. Need to look at house insurance renewal. Staying a week in sister's house so a very cheap holiday - need to look at MSE days out near where she lives.
J Just a couple more ideas for the holidays "Build a Scarecrow Day " is on the 7th and "Tedddy Bear's Picnic day is on the 9th. No small people to enjoy those with!
U yUo should take your lunch to work each day and take appropriate refreshments to hospital visits and on days out - always take lunch to work; need to work on taking food and drink to days out & hospital.
L Look at each purchase to determine if it is a genuine need or just a want. Noted. I don't need anymore shoes!
Y You should check in daily, if possible (especially when things go wrong). Will do my best
Nite everyone
Deni xx
No plans to spend today either. I need to make black bean soup for tea, pizza dough for the freezer, energy balls, clean the house, walk the dog, school run and go for a run.
Just realised I did spend money yesterday, I bought a set of those clear toiletry bags for air travel, I bought them on ebay, I have been looking in the CS for ages but not found one (bet I do now though) and they were a need and most definitely not a want.
Fashion on the Ration 28/66
Long month ahead, will be tricky but we can do that.
Get Creative/Teddy Bears Picnic- Fabulous idea- I have left over party lunch boxes from my sons 2nd birthday with Teddys on them, I have invited 2 of their friends for a Teddy Bears Picnic in the woods on Saturday & I have printed off some pictures of teddys for my children to colour in tonight which I will turn into invites.
NSD's- I will aim for as many as possible- today is NSD number 1!
Live on what's left- not a lot if we are to hit our savings goal and buy a house at the end of the year. However I have saved Clubcard vouchers for a free day out at the end of the month & we have booked out a pass for Flamingo land for the 20th, which we get for free via the army. I have had a quick look at any films on the pocket money offer at the local cinema ( one pound per ticket on Sat & Sunday morning but the films are usually a few months old) & I have written down any I think my boys might like.
H20 - the Paddling Pool made an appearance on Saturday & I am sure it will do again!
Relax- I need to work on this one!
Our bodies- Back on WW after a week of events (Funeral, grandparents 80ths etc)
De-clutter- Need to do this ready for the move, had a big sell of all my kids toys last month & they currently have about £43 that they earned & I have more space. I also gave away my travel cot & few other bits.
Get out - off for a walk on my lunch now.
Half Year Review- Still on track, but only just. We have £17,600 in savings for our house deposit, we have 22 plus fees, a little sick of saving and living off £200 a month for everything , but very lucky this is a choice, I could save less if I wanted.
Take Lunch- I always so, I cannot afford to eat lunch out.
Need or Want- I need this to keep me in check.
Check in- Here.
Good Luck for July everyone xx:T:T
Was hoping the week would be mostly spend free but have spent quite a lot today. I have been worrying about clothes for next week - and this as saving my best stuff for next week means wearing some stuff that's really only fit for the rag bag. I have looked at 3 sales online - well have been looking on and off for the past 6 weeks. put things in baskets but not bought anything.
So I decided to do a trawl of the cs most likely to have things that fit me, check in a couple of local shops to see if the 'best fit' items were in stock and if all else fails I still have time for an online order which will come in time. If next week is like last weatherwise, I need something to wear but I am reluctant to spend a lot on things I won't wear very often and am not planning on being this size for much longer.
At the YMCA I passed over a bag of carrier bags, found a long black dress in cotton with small pink and white flowers all over. I also spent 2 pounds each on 2 proper cotton sheets and bought a deep wooden tray for 4 pounds - the sheets were on my Christmas list but these will fill the gap. I had a wooden tray which got broken. Since I have my CPAP machine on the top of my raskog bedside table, I have moved my water cup (know I'm only too capable of knocking the cup over in the middle of the night) but it's either on the floor (risk of rolling out of bed when I'm leaning over) or I have it propped/ wedged on the bed ( only a few minor spills so far but my mattress is old enough to need cossetting). This tray will lay flat on the other half of the bed and if the cup spills it will be contained. Useful for lots of other things as well (sorting small objects so they don't run away, chopping veg whilst keeping my legs propped up).
I then went to the Red Cross shop. Found two full length, sleeveless, cotton jersey dresses, one navy (6.50), one red (7.50), M n S BNWT beach wear. Heavy beading round the neckline so I can wear them with the beads showing in the evening and with a t-shirt over the top for daytime. There was also a dark brown white patterned m0ns00n dress for 6.50. There was a notice saying 3 dresses for 10 pounds but I didn't think it would apply. Woman behind the counter said I had chosen the right day to call but I insisted on giving them 10 as a donation so paid 20 in total for 3 dresses and 3.65 for a navy top with bright flowers on.
What would other people have done - I didn't want to take advantage of a charity? The red and blue dresses are much nearer to what I have been looking for (similar red and blue dresses in one sale for 20 each and much busier pattern so less versatile). Also will help with having a minimal packing list (2 thin pairs of leggings, 2/3 dresses, full length skirt, t-shirts and 1 shirt, 1 light and one warm cardi or jumper just in case).
So a total of 32.15 spent (including 10 donation) and it will have to come out of my food budget. Fish, veg and baked potatoes for the rest of the week, may need to buy stuff at weekend for things to take on the coach journey.
I did a small shop for mum, bought ys smoked mackerel for one of my meals here, added sausage cooked yesterday, last 3 satsumas and milk from my fridge (in exchange for items added to mum's shopping) to the bag and caught a taxi.
I also have an exciting new project (I think it's exciting). I returned two books to the library. I had noticed a new extra large wheelie bin but didn't know what it was for, so went for a look. Someone is doing a display at Southport Flower Show and they want eco bricks to build it. Eco-bricks are 2l plastic drinks bottle stuffed with other plastic rubbish - some people have used them to build rafts/ small boats. So as I already have 2 old fashioned bins worth of 2l plastic bottles set aside (to make bottle garden/ greenhouse depending on how soon I manage to give up plastic bottles altogether) I am going to start turning some of them into eco bricks which should ease the pressure on my black bin (DS3 and Beloved get through a lot of crisps and chocolate).
Going to go and alter my signature and firm up some of my plans.
Today I am grateful that it hasn't rained yet, for the cooling breezes and for my cs finds.
Retired August 2016
Paid off French mortgage September 2018
New kitchen fully installed June 2019
Not counting this! 2020
Garden fencing completed, woohoo 2021..........
October 2021: aiming for £5,000 new money for premium bonds or a car.